With winter on our doorstep, we thought to remind you of some important info regarding sick leave from the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA):
Employees who work a 5-day week, are entitled to 30 days in a 36 months (i.e. 3 year) period. Those who work 6-days = 36 days in 3 years.
New employees: Very important to know that during the first 6 months of employment, the employee is entitled to only 1 day’s paid sick leave after 26 days worked – it works out to 1 day in 6 weeks worked.
The total number of paid sick leave a new employee may take within the 1st 6 months = 4 – but take note – it accumulates….a person cannot, for example, take 3 consecutive sick days at the end of month 3 as the entitlement only allow for 2 paid sick leave. The 3rd one will have to be unpaid leave. Any sick leave days taken during the first 6 months of employment is deducted from the full 3 years entitlement.
On the 1st working day of month number 7, the balance of the full entitlement kicks in and is available to the employee. The employee can use those sick leave days at any time required over the next 2,5 years, or if it is the second cycle, over the next 3 years.
PLEASE do NOT allow more than the statutory 30- or 36-days sick leave. Employees must learn to manage their health and, in our experience, if given more paid sick leave days, employees will make good use of it. So, employers, DON’T GO THERE!
Stay warm, dry and healthy. Enjoy your weekend!
Regards
Uluma HR Team
